Portugal booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Norway in Porto, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the late winner as the holders maintained their perfect record.
Ramos struck in the 79th minute to complete another comeback for Portugal, who had fallen behind to Kristoffer Ajer. The result gives Jorge Jesus’s side four wins from four and guarantees a top-two finish in the group, with Denmark six points behind them after their 1-0 victory over Wales.
Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Ajer controlled Martin Odegaard’s free-kick before sending a dipping half-volley into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area.
Portugal needed only two minutes to respond. Joao Cancelo produced an equally impressive finish, beating the Norway goalkeeper with a powerful strike to level the score.
The hosts continued to press for a second goal and eventually found it through Ramos. Vitinha began the move before Joao Felix headed the ball across goal, allowing Ramos to get a touch with his calf from close range and put Portugal ahead.
The victory came at a cost late on when Francisco Conceição was sent off. The Portugal forward received a second yellow card four minutes from time after sarcastically giving the referee a thumbs-up following his first booking.
Erling Haaland was unable to add to his 65 goals in 59 international appearances and was substituted after appearing to suffer an injury, potentially adding to Manchester City’s concerns.
Portugal have continued to win without Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the squad after being left on the bench for their second Nations League game. They subsequently defeated Norway, Denmark and Norway again as Ramos took advantage of his opportunities in the veteran forward’s absence.
Jesus said afterwards that Ronaldo remains welcome in the squad if he wants to return.
“If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team,” Jesus said. “We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide.”
